The ¡Gradúate! Program Sandy Preiss ¡ ¡Gradúate! Program Coordinator Marco A. Zárate NCSHP President North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals “Promoting Education among Hispanic Youth”

North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals NCSHP was founded in 1999, as a state-wide community- based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the only mission of promoting education of Hispanic youth at all scholastic levels, and supporting two core beliefs: – Education is the key to future success in life and – Investing in the education of a Hispanic student is an investment in North Carolina.

NCSHP Programs/Initiatives Hispanic Educational Summit - Largest educational conference for middle and high school students in North Carolina NC Hispanic College Fund - College Scholarships Hispanic Achievement Conference and Workshops – Professional development for teachers and school administrators “Stay in School” Campaign and Video Contest – Awareness campaign of the importance of stay in school. “Good Stewards of the Environment” Science Program Motivational Speakers Group Educational Advocacy

The ¡Gradúate! Program Funded by NC Dropout Prevention Commission and administered by the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Wake County Public School System Alamance-Burlington School System Comprehensive dropout prevention services The only DPI-funded program in targeting solely Hispanic students

Resources Partnering Organizations Schools Volunteers Human Services

Demographics Bilingual and bicultural program 100% of students self- identify Hispanic At-risk: Measurable criteria and target outcomes Role Models

The Need Hispanic students are dropping out at a higher rate than their peers. – 4.79% vs. 3.75% overall (NCDPI, 2011) Hispanic student population increase. – Hispanic HS students in NC estimated to increase from 4,483 in 2008 to over 28,000 in Efficacy and lack of Latino-targeted programs (bilingual and bicultural) and role models.

¡Gradúate! Program Services In-School monitoring and guidance through individual meetings After-School programs: tutoring sessions and Life Skills lessons “Juntos” Program parent workshop series

Best Practices Parent Involvement Mentoring/Tutoring Success Coaching Experiential Learning

Challenges Student Recruitment – Transportation – Motivation Parent Involvement – Transportation – Language – Education/experience Volunteer Recruitment – Specific hours – Transportation – Consistency

Successes 133 students served. – Individualized, persistent recruitment – Parent phone calls and home visits – FACE TO FACE INTERACTION 89 families attended parent meetings. – Personal invitations are essential – Fully bilingual meetings and handouts Over 30 volunteers offering services. – Service learning partnerships – Diversify sources

Fall Semester Data 52% of consistent attendees who failed a class last school year, passed all classes Fall Semester – 8 students who failed 2-7 classes last year, passed all classes Fall Semester % of consistent attendees who had more than 10 absences last school year, had less than 5 absences Fall Semester – 7 students went from absences last year to 3-7 absences, Fall Semester 2011

Thank you for your participation. We would love to hear from you! Sandy Preiss – 8450 Chapel Hill Rd., Suite 209 Cary, NC (919)